Free Government in the Making, Research Paper Example

The following is a dialogue between Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony who were actively involved in the women’s rights movement of the 19^th century. The two worked both independently and as a team in order to promote women’s rights during their time period. Elizabeth Cady Stanton lived between the years 1815 and 1902 and Susan B. Anthony lived from 1820 to 1906. The two activists were considered to be close friends. Elizabeth Cady Stanton will be referred to as “ECS” and Susan B. Anthony will be referred to as “SBA”. This conversation is occurring in 1852 immediately after the founded the New York Women’s State Temperance Society.

Susan B. Anthony has recently returned from a temperance conference and meets with her friend Elizabeth Cady Stanton to discuss what she has learned.

ECS: Susan! How was the conference?

SBA: The conference itself was as expected, I suppose. Full of politicians who were present to defend their right to consume alcohol, and the other half of the crowd was present to argue against these acts that so tarnish modern politics.

ECS: Were there any other women present?

SBA: Ah, several, but it was a pittance compared to the male representation. It was clear that we were not wanted there at all. I attempt to speak on the behalf of the women present in the audience, but they chose to not hear my words and asked me to leave.

ECS: So they believe that women are not allowed to have opinions on the temperance movement?

SBA: Certainly not, but is that surprising? We are denied the most basic of rights. Any words we wish to speak will certainly be silenced.

ECS: It believes that they are afraid of our opinions. They would rather pretend that we do not have any of our own in order to avoid concerning themselves with what we might think.

SBA: That is true, but we must make ourselves known somehow, this is simply unacceptable.

ECS: Well, if we are prohibited from speaking at their conference, it would be plausible to have our own. There are many women who have become frustrated by the sinful acts conducted by politicians. Arranging and publicizing our own meetings could benefit to make our opinions heard.

SBA: I agree. Who would have our backing?

ECS: It is possible that the abolitionists would agree to be present. We have similar motives.

SBA: That is correct.

ECS: It’s decided then, we will hold our first meeting later this month. The “New York Women’s State Temperance Society” will serve as a rebuttal to this idiocy. They will not be able to silence us at our own venue. Let’s quickly write letters of invitation and reserve a location.

SBA: I agree. It is frustrating that most men believe that they have complete power over women. It is fortunate that both the white and colored abolitionists do not agree with this insanity.

ECS: I agree, but what is even more saddening is the women who continue to agree that they have no right to speak. They continue to be silenced by their husbands because they believe this is right in society. But, how can anyone that believes in God believe that men were not created equally?

SBA: Certainly, this is why the abolitionists are our allies. In fact, it is possible that women will finally receive the right to vote, but only after all men our held equal. We appear to be second to most.

ECS: It seems that this is the case, but this is a battle that must be fought together. Civil liberties are important no matter the group. It is time for us to all stand together to fight for what is right.

SBA: It would be helpful for us to promote the strength of other women as well. It is important for others to recognize that there is a need for a transition in society, and that the place of a women is no longer the home. Everyone should have a right to contribute to their world to make it a better place.

ECS: Currently, it seems that politics are corrupt and unethical. It is possible that allowing all people to vote would end this debauchery.

SBA: After our own temperance conference, it may be beneficial to establish a group that would petition for the equal rights of colored people. Slavery is such a tragedy.

ECS: And ending it would allow those in power to begin to think about the need for a new power dynamic. We are fortunately that we are married to the affluent and have the backing of such excellent individuals.

SBA: I’d imagine that we would not be able to get anything done if this were not the case. I have a feeling that many women agree with us but are simply too afraid to come forward.

ECS: Then it is settled. Let us establish the Women’s Loyal National League to promote the freedom of slaves across the country.

References

Mason, Alpheus Thomas. (1975). Free Government in the Making: Readings in American Political Thought, 3rd Edition. New York: Oxford University Press.

Million, Joelle .(2003). Woman’s Voice, Woman’s Place: Lucy Stone and the Birth of the Woman’s Rights Movement. Westport, CT: Praeger.

Stanton, Elizabeth Cady; Anthony, Susan B.; DuBois, Ellen Carol. (1992). The Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony Reader. Boston: Northeastern University Press.